Ebola

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is caused by a virus. It is a severe and often fatal disease. It can affect humans and other primates. Researchers believe that the virus first spreads from an infected animal to a human. It can then spread from human to human through direct contact with a patient's blood or secretions.

Symptoms of Ebola may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms usually include

Fever

Headache

Joint and muscle aches

Weakness

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Stomach pain

Lack of appetite

Other symptoms including rash, red eyes, and internal and external bleeding, may also occur.

The early symptoms of Ebola are similar to other, more common, diseases. This makes it difficult to diagnose Ebola in someone who has been infected for only a few days. However, if a person has the early symptoms of Ebola and there is reason to suspect Ebola, the patient should be isolated. It is also important to notify public health professionals. Lab tests can confirm whether the patient has Ebola.

There is no cure for Ebola. Treatment involves supportive care such as fluids, oxygen, and treatment of complications. Some people who get Ebola are able to recover, but many do not.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Symptoms of Ebola

The following features are indicative of Ebola:

fever

headache

joint and muscle aches

weakness

diarrhea

vomiting

stomach pain

lack of appetite

It is possible that Ebola shows no physical symptoms and still be present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Ebola

The following are the most common causes of Ebola:

ebola virus species

Risk Factors for Ebola

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Ebola:

contact with infected blood or body fluids

Prevention of Ebola

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Ebola. Prevention may be possible by doing the following: